Reflection for Tuesday August 7, Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 14:22-36

Gospel: Matthew 14:22-36

Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side of the sea, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. "It is a ghost," they said, and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid."

Peter said to him in reply, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, "Truly, you are the Son of God."

After making the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret. When the men of that place recognized him, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought to him all those who were sick and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak, and as many as touched it were healed.

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Reflection:

Do you create time for the deepening of your friendship with God?

Jesus has that time, He always make it a point to be by Himself to pray and speak to God. To speak to God was His energy booster it inspired Jesus to move on and continue His difficult mission of salvation.

In this modern frenetic life that we have which is dictated by hedonism and materialism we seem to hardly have time in prayer for God.  we have less time to know more about the life of   Jesus in the bible.

Why? Because we allow ourselves to be overpowered by the demands of this fleeting world.  If we can create time to renew our ties with our relatives and friends. If we can create time to browse our facebook and other social media accounts.

Why can't we create time for the Lord in prayer? Let us not forget the giver of everything that we have is the Lord. Many of us may not believe this but it’s really God who is the author of all the things that we have in this world.

What if we suddenly die, where would we go if we have not developed a friendship with Jesus? The devil might immediately snatch our souls and forcefully bring it to his kingdom. When we always have time for Jesus it would be very hard for the evil one to bring us to his kingdom.   

Hence, you have to have your daily quite time with the Lord. it doesn’t matter how short for as long as you always have time for Him in prayer for it will help you ward off the many temptations of this world. – Marino J. Dasmarinas